Elliott's 16th annual Canada Day Canuck team

By Bob Elliott
Canadian Baseball Network

Happy Canada Day.

It’s a day to celebrate our best on the diamond.

And the best way, besides the Blue Jays wearing red -- to celebrate is to come up with our all-Canadian team. This will be our 16th annual team.

Way back when -- like at the end of June in 2001 -- this concept was like selecting an all-time Blue Jays batting order or guessing the probable pitchers for a Montreal Expos-Blue Jays World Series.

Way back when then commissioner Bud Selig had not yet commissioned the formation of the 16-team World Baseball Classic.

Now, we are six months away from Canada’s best assembling for training camp and the fourth WBC. Canada has 3-6 in the first three events ... rallying for a late win against South Africa and an upset win over Team USA in 2006 in Phoenix, a heart-breaking loss to Team USA in front of a sold-out crowd at the Rogers Centre in 2009 and a win on the scoreboard and a fight against Mexico, while losing the lead to Team USA in the eighth.

Our first Canada Day lineup was selected the day the Boston Red Sox trio of Rolando Arrojo, Rod Beck and Derek Lowe blanked the Blue Jays and Chris Carpenter 4-0 on two hits (singles by Shannon Stewart and Alex Gonzalez) in 2001.

The great thing about our Canada Day lineup is always our MVDs -- Most Valuable Doctors -- Jason Smith, Allan Gross, Ron Taylor, Erin Boynton and Marc Philippon. They have everyone fit and ready from all the nagging injuries that have bothered them on the field and they are healthy as a team of Clydesdales. .

Commissioner Fergie Jenkins, a national treasure, has fought off farm directors and meddlesome assistant general managers and GMs by his mere presence. He had help from two former presidents Paul Beeston, formerly of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Pat Gillick, former president of the Philadelphia Phillies, to do some arm twisting and pry away players from their respective teams for two weeks.

Heck, they even managed to spring Russell Martin and Michael Saunders away from the Cleveland Blue Jays.

Ryan Dempster, anchor of our Canada Day team for 13 consecutive years, including six opening day starts will be on hand for our organizational meetings. He’ll be flown in as all our team is on the friendly skies of Westjet. And Dempster has brought with him good buddy and Mark DeRosa, star of MLB Network, a token Canadian after playing with the Blue Jays in 2013 and on the list of every general manager who has concerns about his current manager. 

Executives Doug Melvin and Gord Ash of the Milwaukee Brewers along with Alex Anthopoulos of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Andrew Tinnish of the Blue Jays have supplied enough analytic print outs to wall paper the dugout.

Manager Ernie Whitt will have Stubby Clapp, Denis Boucher, Jason Bay and Walker, Canada’s greatest hitter, and Greg Hamilton on our staff.

Before we go down to the field for Donald S. Cherry to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, it should be pointed out our pool is not as large as a year ago when 13 Canucks had appeared on major-league rosters by the July 1.

Yet June was a better-than expected month with 27 Canadians selected in the draft an another free agent sign. A total of nine players went in the first 10 rounds led by Ontario Terriers grad Cal Quantrill of Stanford University, who went eighth over-all in North America to the San Diego Padres -- the third highest ever a Canadian has been selected. Quantrill received a $3,963,045 US signing bonus, second highest to a Canadian. A total of 10 Canucks have signs for six figures or more. 

A total of nine Canucks have appeared on major-league rosters this season, 68 in the minors (including 13 who have triple-A time) and 40 in independent ball. 

The Canuck lineup that year may have had more pop than the Jays displayed that day with the likes of Larry Walker, Matt Stairs, Corey Koskie and Rob Ducey to go with arms like Ryan Dempster, Chris Reitsma, Eric Gagne, Paul Quantrill and Rheal Cormier. 

We’ve chosen from deeper talent pools, but we’re glad we’re not picking the 1984 Canada Day team when there were only two Canadians in the majors: Terry Puhl and Doug Frobel.    

The lineup:
Leading off is Chicago White Sox second baseman Brett Lawrie of Langley, BC in his seventh start, who has started at both third base and second during that time. This is where DeRosa will help calm Lawrie down. 

Etobicoke’s own, Canada’s highest-paid athlete, Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds in his ninth start and 11th appearance. Votto volunteered to play left when he looked at the options at first base and DH, deciding it was best for the mythical team. Next spring it will be difficult fitting three left-handed power bats into two spots.  

Batting third is Jays’ Michael Saunders of Victoria, BC who will be in centre field making his eighth start and ninth appearance on our Canada Day roster. Saunders almost was sent to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in a three-team trade which saw the Jays obtain outfielder Jay Bruce, while Toronto prospect Mitch Nay went to the Reds. Nay has not played a game this season which forced the deal to be called off. Saunders won MVP honors for the Phoenix pool of the 2013 WBC. 

Making his fourth Canada Day start and hitting clean up is DH Freddie Freeman of the Atlanta Braves. He’s WBC-eligible as his parents grew up in Windsor. Freeman wanted in on the 2013 WBC, but there wasn’t room at the inn with Votto and Morneau splitting time at first and DH. Freeman says he can’t play the outfield or third.

Hitting fifth is Montrealer Russell Martin of the Jays. Martin is behind the plate after starting at third last year. It is Martin’s 11th start and his 12th selection. 

New Westminster, BC’s Justin Morneau, who the Chicago White Sox signed in June. Recovering from surgery to repair torn tendon in his left elbow, he begins a minor-league rehab next week and return to the majors after the all-star break putting him on track to play at Target Field for the first time July 29-31. Morneau, 35, is in his 15th start and is the senior member of the roster. 

Batting seventh is right fielder Tyler O’Neill from Walker’s home of Maple Ridge, B.C. It’s a bit of a promotion and it is his first time on our Canada Day team. But 41 doubles, five triples and 45 homers in 180 games at class-A Bakersfield and double-A Jackson since opening day 2015 have a way of making an impression for the Mariners farmhand.  

Hitting eighth at third base is London’s Jamie Romak in his first start and fifth year on our team. Romak had time with both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Yokohama DeNA Baystars. 

Batting ninth in his fourth Canada Day start is shortstop Sean Jamieson of Simcoe, Ont. from triple-A Reno in the Arizona Diamondbacks system.

And on the mound will be James Paxton of Ladner, BC. The Seattle lefty will be making his second start in his fourth selection.

Port Dover’s John Axford of the Rockies will close for his fourth year and is in his seventh year on the team. 

Canada Day Teams
2016
Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. 2B Brett Lawrie, White Sox 78 11 31 .248 .747  
2. LF Joey Votto, Reds 78 13 39 .249 .832
3. CF Michael Saunders, Blue Jays 72 15 34 .289 .915     
4. DH Freddie Freeman, Braves 78 13 29 .285 .877      
5. C Russell Martin, Blue Jays 68 6 29 .218 .327 .631    
6. 1B Justin Morneau, White Sox Rehab assignment  
7. RF Tyler O’Neill, AA-Jackson 74 13 59 .309 .906  
8. OF-1B Jamie Romak, Yokohama DeNA Baystars 28 0 2 .116 .383
9. SS Sean Jamieson, AAA-Reno 56 1 14 .225 .601     

Starting pitching
Name, Team G W-L ERA

LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC, Mariners 6 1-3 4.15     
    AAA-Tacoma 10 4-3 3.97
RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tex., Pirates 5 2-1 3.86
    AAA-Indianapolis 10 4-2 2.04     
LHP Rob Zastryzny, Edmonton, Alta. AAA-Iowa 7 4-1, 5.05 AAA-Iowa
    AA-Tennessee 9 3-2 4.77
LHP Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask. AAA-Rochester 11 6-2, 3.48
    Lancaster, Atlantic-IND 1 1-0, 0.00
RHP Chris Leroux, Montreal, Que. AAA-Buffalo, 15 6-4, 3.15 


Closer
Name, Team G W-L ERA S

John Axford, Port Dover, Ont., A’s 34 3-2 5.23 1    

Bullpen
Name, Team G W-L ERA S

RHP Jim Henderson, Calgary, Alta., Mets 34 3-2 5.23 0     
LHP Adam Loewen, Surrey, BC AAA-Reno 24 2-2 3.90 0      
RHP Dustin Molleken, Regina, Sask. AAA-Toledo, 25 1-3 3.48 1    
RHP Scott Mathieson Aldergrove BC Yomiuri Giants 31 6-0 2.61 1    
LHP Scott Diamond, Guelph, Ont. Blue Jays, 1 0-0, 27.00 0
    AAA-Buffalo 15 5-7 3.48 0
RHP Rowan Wick, North Vancouver, BC AA-Springfield 3 0-0 5.40 0
   A-Palm Beach 23 2-0 1.09 6
RHP Phillippe Aumont, Gatineau, Que. AAA-Charlotte 10 0-2 12.27 0

Bench
C George Kottaras, Markham, Ont., AAA-Sacramento 23 1 6 .155 .514    
OF Dalton Pompey, Mississauga, Ont. AAA-Buffalo 44 1 14 .280 .690    
INF Stephen Wickens, Whitby, Ont., AAA-Rochester 29 3 5 .182 .601    
1B Josh Naylor, Mississauga, Ont. A-Greensboro 65 8 43 .255 .747  

 

2015 Lineup
Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

1. 3B Brett Lawrie, A’s 73 7 36 .285 .750
2. LF Joey Votto, Reds 74 14 38 .284 .899
3. 1B Justin Morneau, Twins 27 3 9 .290 .767
4. DH Freddie Freeman, Braves 66 12 41 .299 .887
5. C Russell Martin, Jays 67 11 37 .265 .840
6. RF Michael Saunders, Jays 9 0 3 .194 .499    
7. CF Dalton Pompey, Jays 23 2 6 .193 .601
    AA-New Hampshire/AAA-Buffalo 41 5 20 .277 .776
8. 2B Peter Orr, AAA-Colorado Springs 61 1 30 .276 .719
9. SS Sean Jamieson, AA-Mobile 44 3 7 .308 .846 

Pitching
Name, Team G W-L ERA

James Paxton, Ladner, BC, Mariners 10 3-3, 3.70
Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask., AAA-Buffalo 14 2-9, 4.19
Scott Diamond, Guelph, Ont., AAA-Durham 15 7-3, 3.61
Jared Mortensen, Abbottsford, BC, AA-Montgomery 15 5-3, 3.29
Jeff Francis, North Delta, BC AAA-Buffalo, 10 3-0, 1.71

Closer
Name, Team G W-L ERA S
John Axford, Port Dover, Ont., Rockies 24 1-1, 2.42 13  

Relievers
Adam Loewen, Surrey, BC, AAA-Lehigh Valley/AA-Reading 24 2-2 2.13 1
Phillippe Aumont, Gatineau, Que., AAA-Lehigh Valley 14 3-4 2.35 0
Scott Mathieson, Aldergrove, BC, Yomiuri Giants 32 1-4 2.08 2
Dustin Molleken, Regina, Sask., AAA-Columbus 27 5-2 3.28 1
James Henderson Calgary, Alta. AAA-Colorado Springs/AA-Biloxi/A-Brevard 21 0-2 4.15 1
Chris Leroux, Mississauga, Ont. AAA-Lehigh Valley/AAA-Colorado Springs 17 2-5 4.53 0
 
Bench
Position Name Team G HRs RBIs Avg. OPS

C George Kottaras, Markham, Ont. AAA-Charlotte 21 5 .311 .623
3B Jamie Romak, London, Ont., AAA Reno 73 13 55 .300 .918
INF Jordan Lennerton, Langley, BC, AAA Toledo 51 3 21 .241 .708
OF Jim Adduci, Vancouver, BC, Lotte Giants, Korea 60 .279, 10, 39 .738

 

2014 Lineup
Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1. RF Michael Saunders, Mariners .266 4 23 .734
2. 2B Brett Lawrie, Jays .244 12 48 .718
3. LF Joey Votto, Reds .260 6 22 .822
4. 1B Justin Morneau, Rockies .307 13 58 .858
5. DH Freddie Freeman, Braves .291 13 41 .882
6. 3B Russell Martin, Pirates .265 4, 23 .792
7. CF Oscar Taveras, Cardinals .189 1 2 .522
Memphis-AAA .318 8 49 .872
8. C George Kottaras, Indians .353 3 4 1.339
Columbus-AAA .119 1 5 .386
9. SS Sean Jamieson, Mobile-AA (Dbacks) .310 5 30 .819

Rotation
1. LHP Erik Bedard, Navan, Ont., Rays (4-5, 4.21)
2. LHP James Paxton, Ladner, BC (2-0, 2.25 with Mariners, 0-0, 6.00 at triple-A Tacoma)
3. LHP Andrew Albers, North Battleford, Sask. (2-7, 6.65) Hanwha Eagles, Korea,
4. RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands, Tex. injured, Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Scott Diamond, Guelph, Ont. (3-7, 7.03) Triple A Rochester.
 
Relievers
Scott Mathieson, Aldergrove BC (4-2, 11 saves, 4.11) Yomiuri Giants
James Henderson, Calgary, Alta. (2-1, 7.15 Brewers 0-0, 0.00 double-A Huntsville),
Jeff Francis North Delta, BC (0-1, 7.15) A’s
Jesse Crain Toronto, Ont., injured Houston Astros
Phillippe Aumont, Gatineau, Que. (0-1, 21.60 Phillies, 2-1, 3.74, triple-A Lehigh)
Dustin Molleken, Regina, Sask. (2-2, two saves, 3.67 at triple-A Nashville)
John Axford, Port Dover, Ont. (2-3, nine saves, 3.69 Indians).

Bench
C Mike Nickeas, Vancouver, BC (.225, 3, 10 triple-A Buffalo)
INF Taylor Green, Comox, BC (.245, 3, 18 triple-A Nashville)
INF Pete Orr, Richmond Hill, Ont. (.297, 2, 22 triple-A Nashville)
IB Jordan Lennerton, Langley, BC (.189, 4, 26) triple-A Toledo
OF Jamie Romak, London Ont. (.048, 0, 3 Dodgers, .270, 13, 71 triple-A Albquerque
OF Jim Adduci, Vancouver, BC (.462, 0, 3, Rangers, .250, 0, 1 at double-A Frisco and triple-A Round Rock
OF Dalton Pompey (Mississauga, Ont., (.308, 6, 35 at double-A New Hampshire, class-A Dunedin.


 
2013 Lineup
Name, Team Avg. HR RBIs OPS

1, CF Michael Saunders, Mariners .211 4 15 .616
2. C Russell Martin, Pirates .244 8 29 .752
3. LF Joey Votto, Reds .322 14 38 .952
4. 1B Justin Morneau, Twins .291 3 46 .743
5. DH Freddie Freeman, Braves .305 8 50 .839
6. 3B Brett Lawrie, Jays .209 5 14 .642
7. RF Jason Bay, Mariners .218 9 18 .724
8. 2B Peter Orr, triple-A Lehigh .236 3 19 .645
9. SS Sean Jamieson, class-A Visalia .270 6 28 .781
 
Rotation
RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) Red Sox 5-8, 4.18
LHP Scott Diamond (Guelph, Ont.) Twins, 5-7, 5.40
RHP Josh Johnson (Minneapolis, Minn.) Jays, 1-2, 5.21
LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) Astros 3-3, 4.44
LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) Rockies/triple-A Colorado Springs 2-7, 6.72
 
Bullpen
Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) White Sox 2-3, 0.74
John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) Brewers 3-3, 3.97
Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.) Phillies/triple-A Lehigh 1-2, two saves, 4.73
Scott Mathieson (Aldergrove BC) Yomiuri Giants 1-2, 1.82
Andrew Albers (North Battleford, Sask.) triple-A Rochester 7-2, 2.93
Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) Yakult Swallows 0-1, 6.63
Dustin Molleken (Regina, Sask.) Nippon Ham Fighters 0-0, 3.86
LHP James Paxton (Ladner, BC) triple-A Tacoma 4-5, 4.75
 
Closer
James Henderson (Calgary, Alta.) Brewers 2-2, 10 saves, 1.88
 
Bench
C George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) Royals .143 2  9 .615
C Mike Nickeas (Vancouver, BC) triple-A Buffalo .161 0 5 .445
INF Jordan Lennerton (Langley, BC) triple-A Toledo .307 13 40 .887
INF Skyler Stromsmoe (Etzikom, Alta.) double-A Richmond/class-A San Jose .203 2  10 .585
INF Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.), Quebec Capitales .291 5 19 .816
INF Taylor Green (Comox, BC) injured, Brewers system
OF Jamie Romak (London, Ont.) triple-A Memphis .249 16 46 .876
OF Jimmy Van Ostrand (Richmond, BC) double-A Harrisburg/triple-A Syracuse .278 5 27 .766
OF Tyson Gillies (Vancouver, BC) double-A Reading/Lehigh Valley .240 8 24 .728
OF Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) double-A New Hampshire .278 10 30 .843
OF Rene Tosoni (Coquitlam, BC) double-A Huntsville .250 8 32 .717


 
2012  Lineup
1. 3B Brett Lawrie (Langley, BC) Jays .293 8 33 .778
2. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) Yankees .189 8 21 .681
3. 1B Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) Reds .350 14 47 1.103
4. DH Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) Twins .239 10  34 .749
5. CF Michael Saunders (Victoria, BC) Mariners .258 8  24 .746
6. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) Mets .187 4 6 .626
7. 2B Taylor Green (Comox, BC) Brewers .203 2 10 .645
8. RF Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) triple-A Buffalo .268 3  9 .949
9. SS Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) Phillies/triple-A Lehigh Valley .250 0 15 .588
 
Rotation
1. RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) Cubs 3-3, 2.11
2. LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) Pirates 6-9, 4.27
3. LHP Scott Diamond (Guelph, Ont.) Twins 7-3, 2.63
4. LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC.) Rockies 3-3, 5.43
5. RHP Scott Richmond (North Vancouver, BC) Jays/triple-A Las Vegas 6-5, 5.42
 
Relievers
Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) White Sox 2-1, 2.38
Blake Hawksworth (North Vancouver, BC) class-A Rancho Cucamonga 0-0, 4.50
Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.) triple-A Lehigh Valley 2-1, nine saves, 4.56
Scott Mathieson (Aldergrove BC) Yomiuri Giants 2-0, five saves, 1.80
Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) triple-A Indianapolis 0-1, 3.97
Dustin Molleken (Regina, Sask.) triple-A Colorado Springs 3-0, one save, 5.52
James Henderson (Calgary, Alta.) triple-A Nashville 3-3, seven saves, 1.85
 
Closer
John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) Brewers 1-5, 13 saves, 5.22
 
Bench
C George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) Brewers .230 3  11 .841
C Mike Nickeas (Vancouver, BC) Mets .188 1 12 .525
C Luke Carlin (Aylmer, Que.) triple-A Columbus/Indians .239 2 13 .676
INF Mark Teahen (Redlands, Calif.) triple-A Syracuse .286 1 44 .755
INF Skyler Stromsmoe (Etzikom, Alta.) triple-A Fresno .255 3 1 .741
INF Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.) Quebec Capitales .288 6 31 .803
OF Rene Tosoni (Coquitlam, BC) triple-A Rochester/double New Britain .204 1 9 .568
OF Jamie Romak (London, Ont.) triple-A Memphis .238 2 18 .631


 
2011 Lineup
1. 3B Brett Lawrie (Langley, BC), Jays, .354 15 homers, 59 RBIs 1.092 OPS at triple-A Vegas.
2. C Russell Martin (Montral, Que.), .229, 10, 23, .726, Yankees
3. 1B Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) .316, 11, 50, .944 Reds
4. DH Justin Morneau (New Westminister, BC) .225, four, 21, .619 Twins.
5. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .234, four, 20 .634 Mets
6. 2B Mark Teahen (St. Marys, Ont.) zero, 11, .208, .633, White Sox
7. CF Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) three, 18, .290, triple-A Tacoma, Mariners.
8. RF Rene Tosoni (Coquitlam, BC) seven, 30, .251, triple-A Rochester, Twins
9. SS Cale Iorg (Toronto, Ont.) four, 13, .213, .586 at triple-A Toledo, Tigers
 
Rotation
RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 5-6, 5.31,  Cubs.
LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 4-6, 3.00  Mariners.
LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 3-9, 4.79 Royals.
RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 0-0, 3.52 triple-A Sacramento, A’s.
LHP Scott Diamond (Guelph, Ont.) 4-7, 5.14, Rochester, Twins.
 
Relievers
Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 5-2, 2.41, one save White Sox.
Blake Hawksworth (North Vancouver, BC) 2-2, 3.00 Dodgers.
Scott Mathieson (Langley, BC) triple-A Lehigh Valley, Phillies.
Trystan Magnuson (Vancouver, BC) triple-A Sacramento, A’s.
Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) triple-A Indianapolis, Pirates
Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.) double-A Reading, Phillies.
 
Closer
John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) 2-2, 2.83, 22 saves, Brewers.
 
Bench
Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .143, 0, 2, Nationals
George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) .234, 2, 8 Brewers
Mike Nickeas (Vancouver, BC) .250, 1, 3  Mets.
Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .230, 0, 3 Phillies.
Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) triple-A Vegas, Jays
Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.) triple-A Buffalo, Mets
Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) triple-A Toledo, Tigers.


 
2010 Lineup
1. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) .244, four homers and 17 RBIs,  Dodgers.
2. 3B Mark Teahen (Redlands, Calif.) .255, three, 14 White Sox.
3. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .347, 15, 49, Twins.
4. DH Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) .313, 17, 54 Reds.
5. CF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .277, six, 35) Mets.
6. RF Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) .206, five, 17, Mariners.
7. LF Nick Weglarz (Stevensville, Ont.) .263, eight, 39, triple-A Columbus, double-A Akron.
8. 2B Brett Lawrie (Langley, BC) .302, six, 41 double-A Huntsville, Brewers.
9. SS Cale Iorg (Toronto, Ont.) .199, five, 21 double-A Erie, Tigers
 
Rotation
Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 6-6, 3.58, Cubs.
Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 3-3, 5.68, Rangers
Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 2-2, 3.53, Rockies.
Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) rookie-class Arizona League M’s.
 
Bullpen
Blake Hawksworth (North Vancouver, BC), 2-4, 5.11, Cardinals.
Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) 0-0, 6.60, Marlins.
Scott Mathieson (Langley BC) 3-2, 14 saves, 2.80, Phillies/triple-A Lehigh Valley
Ryan Braun (Kitchener, Ont.) 0-2, 2.16, 10 saves triple-A Charlotte, White Sox.
Philippe Alexandre Valiquette (St. Laurent, Que.)2-1, 4.24, four saves atriple-A Louisville, double-A Carolina, Reds.
John Axford (Port Dover, Ont.) 3-1, 3.00, Brewers.
 
Closer
Jesse Crain (Toronto) 1-0, 4.27, Twins
 
Bench
George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) .208, five, 16), Brewers.
Matt Stairs (Fredericton N.B.) .191, one, seven, Padres;
Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .275, 13, 46 triple-A Omaha, Royals
Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .229, eight, 26, triple-A Syracuse, Nationals.
Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.) .234, two, 14 double-A Binghamton, Mets.
Adam Stern (London, Ont.) .282, one, 10, triple-A Nashville, Brewers.


 
2009 Lineup
1. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) .247, one homer and 21 RBIs,  Dodgers.
2. 3B Mark Teahen (St. Marys, Ont.), .281, nine, 28,  Royals.
3. Justin Morneau (New Westminister, BC) .309, 17, 61, Twins.
4. CF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .277, 19, 69) Red Sox.
5. DH Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) .351, nine, 37, Reds.
6. RF Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) .303, 10, 26 triple-A Tacoma, Mariners
7. LF Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .300, 13, 30 triple-A Omaha, Royals
8. 2B Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .236, five, 23 triple-A Syracuse, Nationals
9. SS Cale Iorg (Toronto, Ont.) .221, six, 21 double-A Erie, Tigers
 
Rotation
1. LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 5-2, 2.47, Mariners.
2. RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 4-5, 4.09, Cubs.
3. RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 4-4, 4.95, Cubs.
4. RHP Scott Richmond (Vancouver, B.C) 6-4, 3.68, Jays.
5. LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) Rockies.
 
Bullpen
Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) 1-1, 5.25, Padres.
Blake Hawksworth (North Vancouver, BC) 0-0, 4.70,  Cardinals, 5-4, 3.92 triple-A Memphis.
Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, Que.) 2-2 3.03, with 13 saves, double-A West Tennessee/class-A High Desert (Mariners)
Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) 3-2, one save, 4.05, double-A Jacksonville, two games with the Marlins.
David Davidson (Thorold, Ont.) 0-1, 5.63 Marlins/ triple-A Indianapolis, triple-A New Orleans
R.J. Swindle (Vancouver, BC) 2-1 0.79, triple-A Nashville, Brewers.
 
Closer
Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 2-3. 8.15, Twins.
 
Bench
George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) .227, zero, eight, Red Sox.
Luke Carlin (Aylmer, Que.) .277, 4, 23, .786 triple-A Reno/Diamondbacks.
Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .296, three, 12 of Phillies.
Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.) .310, one, double-A Binghamton, Mets
Nick Weglarz (Stevensville, Ont.) .257, 12, 55 double-A Akron, Indians
Rene Tosoni (Coquitlam, BC) .275, nine, 45 double-A New Britain, Twins


 
2008 Lineup
1. CF Adam Stern (Port Stanley, Ont.) .221, 1, 8 triple-A Norfolk.
2. 2B Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .263 2 30 .719 Nationals/triple-A Columbus.
3. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .308, 12, 63,  Twins
4. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .284, 16, 43,  Pirates.
5. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) .307, 8, 37, Dodgers.
6. RF Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .262, 8, 28, Blue Jays.
7. 3B Mark Teahen (St. Marys, Ont. .257, eight, 27, Royals.
8. DH Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont. .280, 12, 38,  Reds.
9. SS Chris Barnwell (Shelburne, N.S.) .284, 6, 39 triple-A Albuquerque.
 
Rotation
RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 5-0, 2.15 ERA, A’s.
RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 9-3, 3.26  Cubs.
LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.), 5-4, 3.79, Mariners.
LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, B.C) 3-7, 5.6, Rockies.
RHP Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) 1-5, 5.83 Nationals.
 
Bullpen
LHP Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) 0-1, 7.95  Orioles.
RHP Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 3-2, 2.97 Twins.
LHP David Davidson (Thorold, Ont.) 2-2, 3.54 double-A Altoona.
LHP R.J. Swindle (Vancouver, BC) 1-0, 0.54 triple-A Lehigh Valley.
RHP Steve Green (Longueuil, Que.) 4-0, 3.08, Lehigh.
RHP Scott Mathieson (Langley, BC) injured with the Phillies.
 
Closer
RHP Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 1-2, 6.98, 10 saves, Brewers.
 
Bench
C Luke Carlin (Aylmer, Que.) .154, 0, 2, Padres.
C George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) .228, 14, 42 triple-A Pawtucket.
C Chris Robinson (Dorchester, Ont.) .217, 1, 19 double-A Tennessee.
INF Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .249, 14, 44 triple-A Richmond.
INF Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) .182, 1, 9 triple-A, Round Rock
INF Emmanuel Garcia (Montreal, QUe.) .258, 3, 29 double-A Binghamton.
INF Jonathan Malo (Laval, Que.) .261, 3, 16 Binghamton.
INF Emerson Frostad (Calgary, Alta.) .270, 5, 32 double-A Frisco.
INF Matt Rogelstad (Coquitlam, BC) .282, 8, 39 single-A Potomac.
OF Sebastian Boucher (Ottawa, Ont.) .262,  1, 18 double-A Bowie/triple-A Norfolk
OF Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) .242, 3, 16 triple-A Tacoma.


 
2007 Lineup
1. 2B Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .200, zero, two,  Braves.
2. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) .292, eight, 43, 11 steals, Dodgers.
3. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .277, 20, 54 RBIs, Twins.
4. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .276, 11, 46 RBIs, Pirates.
5. DH Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .242, nine, 30, Braves.
6. RF Mark Teahan (St. Marys, Ont.) .287, five, 37, Royals.
7. CF Aaron Guiel (Langley, BC) .229, 10, 29, Yakult Swallows.
8. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) out with a concussion, Brewers
9. SS Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) .310, three, 18, triple-A Round Rock (Astros).
 
Rotation
LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 4-4, 3.64,  Orioles
LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 6-5, 3.61,  Rockies.
RHP Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) 3-3, 2.70, Nationals.
RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 1-1, 1.42,  A’s.
LHP Adam Loewen (Surrey, BC) 2-0, 3.56, Orioles.
RHP Scott Mathieson (Vancouver, BC) coming off Tommy John, Philadelphia Phillies.
 
Bullpen
Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 1-0, 0.50, seven saves, Rangers.
Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 1-2, 5.51), Twins.
Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 0-1, 5.79, Mariners.
Ryan Braun (Kitchener, Ont.) 0-2, 3.00, three saves, triple-A Omaha (Royals).
Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 1-1, 1.17, triple-A Richmond (Braves).
David Davidson (Thorold, Ont.) 2-0, 5.08, two saves, double-A Altoona (Pirates).
 
Closer
Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 1-3, 3.45, 15 saves, Cubs.
 
Bench
INF Chris Barnwell (Shelburne, N.S.) .271, four, 21 triple-A Nashville, Brewers.
OF Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .275, nine, 23, Jays.
C Pete LaForest (Hull, Que.) .207, 13, 28 triple-A Portland, Padres.
1B Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) .317, 9, 41 triple-A Louisville, Reds
OF Adam Stern (Port Stanley, Ont.) .206, three, triple-A Norfolk, Orioles.


 
2006 Lineup
1. CF Adam Stern (London, Ont.) .150, zero, four RBIs Red Sox; .254, seven, 23 triple-A Pawtucket.
2. 2B Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .211, one, four, Braves.
3. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .285, 20, 57, Pirates.
4. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .288, 19, 64, Twins.
5. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) .267, 10, 31, Brewers.
6. C Russell Martin (Montreal, Que.) .294, four, 20, Dodgers.
7. DH Matt Stairs (Saint John, N.B.) .287, seven, 18, Royals.
8. RF Aaron Guiel (Langley, BC) .220, three, seven Royals; .233, 11, 32 triple-A Omaha.
9. SS Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, B.C) .229, one, 16, Somerset, Atlantic League (IND).
 
Rotation
RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 3-0, 3.86, A’s.
LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 8-6, 4.72, Orioles.
LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 5-7, 4.25, Rockies.
RHP Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) 1-3, 4.66, Nationals; 3-2, 2.64 double-A Harrisburg.
LHP Adam Loewen (Surrey, B.C) 0-2, 7.12 Orioles, 4-2, 2.72 double-A Bowie.
 
Bullpen
Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 2-1, 1.35, Phillies.
Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 1-4, 5.19, Twins.
Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) two scoreless innings, Dodgers.
Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 1-2, 9.11, three saves, Braves.
Scott Mathieson (Aldergrove, BC) 0-2, 6.75, Phillies, 6-2 3.05, double-A Reading.
 
Closer
Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 1-4, 4.41, 31 saves, Cubs.
 
Bench
INF-OF Mark Teahen (St. Marys, Ont.) .244, 4, 19, Royals; .380, 2, 14, Omaha.
C George Kottaras (Markham, Ont.) .274, eight, 30 double-A Mobile (Padres).
INF Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .120, zero, one with the Braves; .324, 15, 44 triple-A Richmond.
C Pete LaForest (Hull, Que.) injured triple-A Portland (Padres).
INF Joey Votto (Etobicoke, Ont.) .314, 15, 48 double-A Chattanooga (Reds).
INF Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.) .315, one, 11 Edmonton, Northern League IND).


 
2005 Lineup
1. 2B Peter Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) .327, one, five, Braves.
2. CF Adam Stern (London, Ont.) disabled list Red Sox.
3. RF Larry Walker (Maple RIdge, BC) .294, four, 15, Cardinals
4. 1B Justin Morneau ( New Westminster, BC) .411, two, six,  Twins.
5. 3B Cory Koskie (Anola, Man.) .258, seven, 16, Blue Jays.
6. LF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .313, six, 17,  Pirates.
7. DH Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .269, four, 11, Royals.
8. C Pete LaForest (Hull, Que.) .302, seven, 22 RBIs Triple-A Durham, Devil Rays.
9. SS Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) .326, two, 11, Triple-A Round Rock, Astros.
 
Rotation
RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 2-2, 1.94, A’s.
LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 3-1, 2.31, Orioles.
LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 2-1, 4.58, Rockies.
 
Bullpen
Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) injured, Dodgers.
Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 2-3, 5.65, Cubs.
Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) 0-1, 4.02, Yankees.
Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 1-1, 5.19, Phillies.
Jesse Crain (Toronto, Ont.) 2-0, 0.00, Twins.
Chris Begg (Uxbridge, Ont.) 2-2, 1.95, Double-A Norwich, Giants.
Vince Perkins (Victoria, BC) 2-2, 4.11 Double-A New Hampshire, Jays.
Steve Green (Longueuil, Que.) 0-2, 4.74 Double-A Akron, Indians
Aaron Myette (Surrey, BC) in Japan.
 
Closer
Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 0-1, 1.08, Braves.
 
Bench
INF Mark Teahan (St. Marys, Ont.) .273, zero, four, Royals.
INF Scott Thorman (Cambridge, Ont.) .303, five, 25 Double-A Mississippi Braves, Braves
INF Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, BC) .500, zero, one, Somerset, Atlantic league (IND).
OF Aaron Guiel (Langley, B.C) .265, five 18, Triple-A Omaha, Royals
C Richard Martin (Montreal, Que.) .280, one, 18 Double-A Jacksonville (Dodgers).


 
2004 Lineup
1. CF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .286, nine, 25, Pirates.
2. 2B Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.) .301, zero, six, triple-A Syracuse.
3. RF Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) .350, three homers, five, Rockies.
4. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) .247, 12, 33, Twins.
5. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .323, 19, 57 triple-A Rochester, Twins.
6. DH Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .276, 10, 29, Royals.
7. LF Aaron Guiel (Langley, BC) .173, four, 10, 24 Royals plus platoon mate Jeff Guiel (Langley, BC) .198, five, 25 Syracuse Jays.
8. C Pete Laforest (Hull, Que.) .190, two, 14, triple-A Durham.
9. SS Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) .264, five, 30, triple-A Toledo.
 
Rotation
RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 3-4, 4.13, A’s.
LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 3-2, 3.69, Orioles.
LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) 11-1, 2.27 double-A Tulsa, Rockies.
RHP Shawn Hill (Georgetown, Ont.) 5-6, 2.87 double-A Harrisburg
RHP Mike Johnson (Sherwood Park, Alta.) 6-3, 5.43, triple-A Edmonton.
RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 0-0, 1.96 re-habbing, single-A Lansing.
 
Bullpen
Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) 5-2, 3.19,  Phillies.
Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 3-3, 4.54,  Braves.
Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 3-2, 3.61, with 10 saves,  Reds.
Aaron Myette (Surrey, BC) 3-2, 2.56, triple-A Louisville
Jeff Zimmerman (Kelowna, BC) disabled,  Rangers.
 
Closer
Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 2-0, 1.64, 19 saves, Dodgers.
 
Bench
INF Cody McKay (Vancouver, BC) .230, zero, four, Cardinals.
INF Todd Betts (Scarborough, Ont.) .262, four, 14 triple-A Columbus.
OF Simon Pond (North Vancouver, BC) .265, five, 17 Syracuse (Jays)
C John Suomi (Etobicoke, Ont.) .304, six, 47 single-A Modesto.


 
2003 Lineup
1. CF Jason Bay (Trail, BC) .300 10, 32 triple-A Portland; .250, one, two Padres.
2. LF Aaron Guiel (Langley, BC) .283, two, eight, Royals; .279, eight, 30, triple-A Omaha.
3. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) .314, 12, 50, Twins.
4. Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) .293, eight, 50, Rockies.
5. DH Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .239, four, 13, Pirates.
6. 1B Justin Morneau (New Westminster, BC) .280, 2, 7, Twins; .309, 19, 42 triple-A Rochester/double-A New Britain.
7. SS Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) .242, six, 34 triple-A Toledo.
8. C Pete Laforest (Hull, Que.) .301, 10, 29 hitting 20 homers combined triple-A Durham/double-A Orlando,
9. 2B Stubby Clapp (Windsor. Ont.) .230, three, 21, triple-A Richmond, Braves.
 
Rotation
RHP Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 7-2, 4.63, Reds
RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 2-4, 6.21, Reds.
RHP Rich Harden (Victoria, BC) 9-2, 2.99 triple-A Sacramento/double-A Midland, A’s.
RHP Steve Green (Longueuil, Que.) 6-4, 5.64, triple-A Salt Lake, Angels.
LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) injured Baltimore Orioles prospect.
 
Bullpen
Jeff Zimmerman (Kelowna, BC) injured Rangers.
Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) 1-2, 1.57, Dodgers.
Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 2-0, 1.64, Phillies.
Chris Mears (Victoria, BC) 5-1, 2.92 triple-A Toledo/Tigers.
Mike Meyers (Tillsonburg, Ont.) 1-2, 4.94, triple-A Iowa Cubs.
Mike Johnson (Sherwood Park, Alta.) 3-3, 3.75 triple-A Fresno.
Closer
Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 1-2, 2.06, 29 saves, Dodgers.
 
Bench
INF Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, BC) .277, three, 25, double-A Altoona.
OF Jeff Guiel (Langley, BC) .234, seven, 20 triple-A Salt Lake City.
C Cody McKay (Vancouver, BC) .211, four, 23 triple-A Indianapolis


 
2002 Lineup
1. 2B Stubby Clapp (Windsor. Ont.) .250, two, nine triple-A Memphis, Cardinals.
2. SS Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, BC) .237, 0, 7  Memphis.
3. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.).263, 8, 36, Twins.
4. RF Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) .333, 17, 75, Rockies.
5. DH Matt Stairs (Fredericton, N.B.) .239, 4, 13, Brewers.
6. LF Aaron Guiel (Lnagley, BC) .381, 1, 7, Royals, .353, nine, 50, triple-A Omaha.
7. 1B Todd Betts (Scarborough, Ont.) .290, eight, 29 triple-A Pawtucket, Red Sox.
8. CF Jeremy Ware (Guelph, Ont.) .307, one, 15, triple-A Buffalo, Indians..
9. C Cody McKay (Vancouver, BC) .256, five, 26, triple-A Sacramento,  A’s.
 

Rotation
RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 5-7 4.80, Marlins.
RHP Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 3-6, 3.60, Reds.
RHP Aaron Myette (Surrey, BC) 5-4, 3.39 triple-A Oklahoma, Rangers.
LHP Eric Cyr (Montreal, Que.) 4-6, 3.24, double-A Mobile, four games Padres.
LHP Erik Bedard (Navan, Ont.) 6-3, 1.97 double-A Bowie, two games with the Orioles.
 
Bullpen
Jeff Zimmerman (Kelowna, BC) injured, Rangers..
Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) 0-2, 3.40, Dodgers
Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 3-4, 5.59, Phillies.
Phil Devey (Lachute, Que.) 1-3, 4.98, triple-A Las Vegas;  double-A Jacksonville 3-1, 1.91), Dodgers
 
Closer
Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 0-0, 1.30, 29 saves, Dodgers.
 
2001 Lineup
1. SS Kevin Nicholson (Surrey, BC) .385, one, 12 triple-A Colorado Springs.
2. 2B Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.) .317, five, 29, triple-A Memphis; .286 with St. Louis.
3. RF Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) .344, 25, 78, Rockies.
4. 1B Matt Stairs (Fredricton, N.B.) .268, 10, 32, Cubs.
5. 3B Corey Koskie (Anola, Man.) .257, 8, 43, Twins.
6. DH Todd Betts (Scarborough, Ont.) .339, 8, 45 Triple-A Tacoma.
7. C  Cody McKay (Vancouver, BC) .261, 1, 15 triple-A Sacramento,  A’s.
8. LF Rob Ducey (Cambridge, Ont.) .236, three, 10, Montreal Expos.
9. CF Ntema (Pappy) Ndungidi (Montreal, Que.) .239, three, 28 double-A Bowie, Orioles.
 
Rotation
RHP Ryan Dempster (Gibsons, BC) 8-8, 4.95, Marlins.
RHP Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) 4-6, 4.27, Reds.
RHP Eric Gagne (Mascouche, Que.) 1-4, 5.88, Dodgers.
RHP Steve Green (Longueuil, Que.) 6-2, 3.66 triple-A Salt Lake.
RHP Mike Meyers (Tillsonburg, Ont.) 4-3, 3.78 triple-A Iowa.
 
Bullpen
RHP Paul Quantrill (Port Hope, Ont.) 7-1, 1.96, Blue Jays.
LHP Rheal Cormier (Moncton, N.B.) 4-1, 3.04, Phillies.
RHP Dave Wainhouse (Scarborough, Ont.) 2-3, 3.76, five saves, triple-A Iowa
 
Closer
RHP Jeff Zimmerman (Kelowna, BC) 3-4, 3.26, 10 saves, Rangers.
 
Bench
INF Danny Klassen (Leamington, Ont.) injured Diamondbacks farmhand.
OF Jeremy Ware (Guelph, Ont.) .242, two, 10, triple-A Ottawa.
OF Aaron Guiel (Langley, BC) .269, 5, 29 triple-A Omaha.
OF Ryan Radmanovich (Calgary, Alta.) .267, 11, 39 triple-A Portland.
C Alex Andreopoulos (High Park, Ont.) .227, one, four triple-A Buffalo.
C Andy Stewart (Oshawa, Ont.) Jays bullpen catcher.